Does your balcony need a new image? Try potted herbs! Having your herb plants in pots makes it a cinch because you can move them around (as you figure out the amount of sun your balcony gets). If you raise your balcony herbs in containers, they are portable—so you can bring them indoors at the end of the season.

Balconies are all about natural light and you will want to go with herbs like morning glories that grow well with a lot of sun. Morning glories are wonderful because they can handle the bright reflection from your windows and also all the heat that a metal balcony will generate. Check out your balcony at different times of the day to see the quality of sunlight, the heat and the intensity. Check to see which way your balcony faces and whether it gets more morning or afternoon sun.

Use gray or silver-colored herbs as well as those with a velvety texture or thick leaves in your balcony garden. They will do well because they lose less water to evaporation.

Here are some herbs that I recommend for your balcony:

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is an uncomplicated herb to grow. It doesn’t need much water and it tolerates a lot of sun and heat. It is also very helpful for burns, just lop a small piece off and rub it on the burn. It’s sticky, but you will feel better in no time!

• Cayenne pepper: If you grill out on your balcony, imagine being able to break off a pieces of cayenne pepper to add to your next dinner. With a bright pop of color, cayenne pepper can be wonderful on your balcony.

• Cucumber: A trailing vine, like the cucumber, can provide an added touch to your balcony. Cucumbers are awesome for facials, ladies. You can also grab a few cucumbers to slice for your salads, straight from the balcony!

• Hens-and-chicks: I completely like hens-and-chicks. Because they are succulents, they can hold water very well (less watering for you) and they will handle the bright sun and hot temperatures you may have on your balcony. Not to mention that they are so adorable too!

• Lavender: Because lavender is a fragrant herb, you will be able to breathe in the soothing aroma of lavender when you plant it on your balcony. The awesome purple buds can make a colorful balcony even more colorful.

Choose a collection of interesting pots for your balcony or use a hanging basket lined with a coconut husk for good outcomes. I used chicken wire and moss to make my own herb plant balcony basket. I’d never attempted anything like that before. That basket was not the best thing since sliced bread, but it was functional. It will work best if you carefully consider the drainage when you are buying your basket or container.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Windowsill Herb Garden. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.